Ellington

Circular movement: Grape Drive roundabout construction set for 2022

MOSES LAKE — Engineers with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will present an update on construction of a roundabout at Grape Drive and state Route 17, scheduled for spring 2022, at the Moses Lake City Council meeting Dec. 14.

Grant County approves districts

EPHRATA — Grant County commissioners on Nov. 23 approved new boundaries for commission districts to reflect population information from the federal 2020 census.

Quincy prepares to celebrate Christmas season

QUINCY — The holiday season will come to Quincy with a parade, a living nativity, an in-person choral concert and other activities this weekend.

New sign welcomes motorists to Soap Lake

The city of Soap Lake received an upgrade just before Thanksgiving in the form of a new city sign.

Cookies for a cause: Kris Emerson uses baking expertise to write benefit cookbook

MOSES LAKE — Kris Emerson’s “Cookie Book” started with a benefit cookie auction.

Brenda Joyce Valentine

It is with great sadness to announce the passing of Brenda Joyce Valentine, 72, a resident of Moses Lake, Washington, on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Spokane, Washington, of COVID-19 complications.

New reporter eager to plug in to community

Hi, Columbia Basin Herald readers and community members. My name is Rebecca Pettingill and I am the newest addition to the Columbia Basin Herald news team.

Terry Miner

Terry Miner was born March 29, 1953, in Sacramento, California, and passed away Nov. 18, 2021, at his lifelong home.

Legals for November, 30 2021

Shopping close to home: Small businesses stay busy on Black Friday

MOSES LAKE — Business was brisk at small businesses on Black Friday.

Almira/Coulee-Hartline cruises past Naselle

MOSES LAKE — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline High School Warriors beat the Naselle High School Comets on Saturday 68-32 in the 1B state football semifinals at Lions Field in Moses Lake.

Royal notches win over King’s in semifinal round

Royal High School continued to defend its undefeated season Saturday by beating King’s High School 35-14, and will face Eatonville High School in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) Gridiron Classic: State Football Finals at noon Saturday at Harry E. Lang Stadium in Lakewood.

Births for Nov. 29, 2021

Samaritan Hospital, Nov. 13-18

Change coming for apple foundation leadership

After leading the Washington Apple Education Foundation, or WAEF, as its executive director for 20 years, Jennifer Witherbee has announced she intends to step down at the end of March 2022.

Soap Lake man injured in collision

A Soap Lake man was injured Saturday evening in a three-vehicle collision on state Route 17, south of Ephrata, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Ephrata pedestrian dies from injuries in November collision

An Ephrata man, who was struck by a car in early November while walking on D Street Northeast in Ephrata, died Wednesday at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, the Washington State Patrol said Thursday.

Earning his way: Mike Garza says hard work is key to success

OTHELLO — Mike Garza’s dad believed in the value of hard work.

Dona Hyke Chappell Field

Dona Hyke Chappell Field of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully Nov. 14, 2021.

Legals for November, 29 2021

Unincorporated Grant County building permits for Nov. 28, 2021

Oct. 23-29

Weather wise: Caring for plants over the winter

MOSES LAKE — When winter weather arrives, outdoor potted plants need some attention if they are to survive through the winter. But not all plants will need the same kind of care, according to Karen Edwards, owner of Edwards Nursery in Moses Lake, for more than 40 years.

Expenses down, but so is revenue: Moses Lake City Council approves city’s budget plan for 2022

MOSES LAKE — The city of Moses Lake’s 2022 budget estimates it will have expenditures of $83.6 million, about $12 million less than the projected expenditures for 2021.

Students protest response to alleged assaults

MOSES LAKE — Up to 100 Moses Lake High School students marched from the high school to the Moses Lake School District offices Wednesday morning, protesting what they said is an inadequate response to allegations of sexual assault by students against other students, and bringing awareness to the issue.

Going for gold: Local Special Olympians receive medals for bowling

MOSES LAKE — Dozens of Special Olympic athletes from the Columbia Basin took home nearly 50 medals for their bowling season this year and were honored at a small ceremony Tuesday at Lake Bowl.

Letter: Levy vote is an investment in the community

I want to thank you for your support of our 8,000-plus children attending schools here in our lovely hometown.

A holiday heartwarmer: Masquers Theater to present ‘Sleeping Indoors’

SOAP LAKE — The tale of a charitable impulse and its impact on the people in the immediate vicinity comes to the Masquers Theater stage Dec. 3. “Sleeping Indoors” runs for two weekends, beginning Dec. 3.

Commentary: Ignoring debt is not an option

Remember the television ad where the auto mechanic looks viewers straight in the eye and says, “You can pay me now or pay me later!” The message: if you change your car’s oil and filter every 5,000 miles, you can avoid a disastrous engine replacement later.

DAR to place wreaths

MOSES LAKE — The Karneetsa Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, have partnered with Wreaths Across America to lay approximately 250 wreaths at Guarding Angels Cemetery, according to a press release from NSDAR.

Moises ‘Viche’ Ramirez Sr.

Moises “Viche” Ramirez Sr. passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving wife and family on Nov. 12, 2021.

Legals for November, 26 2021

1,000 to 1,200 dinners: Volunteers help Moses Lake Food Bank’s annual distribution of Thanksgiving meals

MOSES LAKE — About 25 volunteers lined up in front of the Moses Lake Food Bank Monday morning, filling cars with the makings of a Thanksgiving dinner, plus hash browns and eggs.

Votes certified in general election

The Nov. 3 general election results were certified Tuesday evening, perhaps with surprises in some races.

Victim sought in attempted carjacking in Grant County

SCHWANA — Grant County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) is trying to locate a man who was the victim of an attempted carjacking in Schwana, near the unincorporated town of Beverly.

Home-grown flavors: Royal City winemakers expand into restaurateurs

ROYAL CITY — A two-in-one restaurant and wine tasting room, owned by a local couple, opened earlier this year in Royal City and is having success despite challenges from COVID-19 and its small-town location.

Bouncing back: Adams County unemployment down, but labor force is smaller

OTHELLO — In some ways, Adams County’s economy is starting to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s uneven.

Gerald Allen Baker

Gerald Allen Baker, 78, of Moses Lake, passed away on Nov. 8, 2021, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Legals for November, 24 2021

Gone but not forgotten: Local woman works to improve little-known cemetery in Mae Valley

CWU team helps search for possible graves

Ruth Hinen Latham, of Moses Lake, has taken it upon herself to restore a small cemetery along Mae Valley Road.

REC Silicon moves closer to reopening in Moses Lake

Silicon material producer REC Silicon may be getting closer to reopening in Moses Lake, according to a release Thursday from the company.

Keeping folks fed: Food bank important to community, volunteer says

MOSES LAKE — Karen Zerby said she was in Moses Lake a few days when she was invited to tag along on a trip to the Moses Lake Food Bank.

Local business has winter boot drive

MOSES LAKE — The owners of Desert Graphics Inc. are sponsoring what may be an unusual project to provide foster children with winter boots.

Betty Lee Walker

Betty Lee Walker, 90, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on Nov. 4, 2021.

Moses Lake doctor’s license restricted

A Moses Lake doctor’s medical license was restricted Nov. 9 by the Washington Medical Commission for alleged “substandard prescribing” and failing “to conduct appropriate patient exams before prescribing opioids,” according to a release from the WMC.

Skone Irrigation technician honored with Platinum PLUS Service Award

DESHLER, Neb. – Elias Martinez, of Skone Irrigation, Inc. in Warden, has earned the Platinum PLUS (Proven Leaders in Unmatched Service) Certified Technician Award, according to a press release from Reinke Irrigation.

Legals for November, 23 2021

Heat takes toll on spud harvest

MOSES LAKE — While potato farmers in the Columbia Basin could call on all the water they needed during this year’s drought, the heat still posed risks and has left its mark on this year’s potato crop.

Samaritan projects more revenue, more expenses in 2022

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare officials expect more people to need hospitalization in 2022, which will lead to more hospital use, but also more expenses. And a labor shortage is projected to add to those expenses.

Democrat runs for Congress, says central Washington needs attention

YAKIMA — Doug White looks back on some important lessons he learned while working in his grandfather’s vineyards as a child.

Man dies in rollover collision near Ritzville

A Snohomish man died Sunday morning in a rollover collision on Interstate 90, southeast of Ritzville in Adams County, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Royal football stomps Toppenish

Knights move on to state semifinals

ROYAL CITY — The Royal High School Knights football team beat the Toppenish High School Wildcats in the quarterfinals of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association State Championship 1A football tournament 59-6 on Saturday.

Soap Lake starts phase three of sewer, water improvements

Soap Lake’s Sewer and Water Phase III project is moving along, according to an update Wednesday from the city.

ACH moves on at state with win over Wilbur/Creston-Keller

MOSES LAKE — The Almira/Coulee-Hartline (ACH) High School football team beat Wilbur/Creston-Keller High School 46-16 in the quarterfinals of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) State Football Championship Saturday at Lions Field in Moses Lake.

Three injured south of Quincy

A Quincy teenager, an Othello man and a woman were injured Thursday afternoon in a collision at state Route 281 and Road 5 Northwest, south of Quincy, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Giving group: Kiwanis members find reward in service to kids, community

MOSES LAKE — For a lot of members of the Kiwanis Club of Moses Lake, it’s about the kids.

Births for Nov. 22, 2021

Samaritan Hospital Nov. 5-11

Virginia Barney

Virginia Margarette (Mink) Barney passed away peacefully on Oct. 30, 2021, in Safford, Arizona. She was 91 years old.

Ephrata falls to Anacortes, Mark Morris, ending chance for state title

YAKIMA — The Ephrata High School Lady Tigers lost two matches Friday in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) State Championships 2A volleyball tournament at the Yakima Valley SunDome, ending their state run without placing.

Legals for November, 22 2021

Trees and drought

Losing a tree that has grown for years at your home is a sad event. Over the past few years, our springs and summers in the Columbia Basin have been warmer and so have our winters.

City of Moses Lake building permits for Nov. 21, 2021

October 1-31

Changing market: Housing demand dips compared to 2020

KIRKLAND — Housing sales across Washington have slowed in the last two months, in part because of concern over the state of the economy and confusion over the future of work at home rules, according to data released by the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NMLS).

Ephrata Volleyball falls in first game of state, works toward seventh place

The Ephrata Lady Tigers lost their first match at the Yakima Valley SunDome Friday morning in the first round of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) State Championships in the 2A volleyball bracket.

Improvements planned: Grant County heads toward Stratford Road work; roundabouts coming to two intersections

EPHRATA — Portions of Grape Drive Northeast and Maple Drive Northeast will be repaved and get new sidewalks in 2022 as part of the county’s Transportation Improvement Plan, which lists projects in a six-year timeframe.

Samaritan sees fewer COVID-19 patients

The number of patients with COVID-19 at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake appears to be steadily declining, while Grant and Adams counties have a high community transmission rate.

Warnick to lead Republicans in Senate

Members of the Washington state Senate Republican Caucus on Thursday elected Sen. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, as their caucus chair and Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, as caucus vice chair.

Donald Miller Beckley

Donald Miller Beckley passed away peacefully at the Kennewick Hospice House on Nov. 6, 2021, at the age of 82, with his beloved wife and family at his side.

Soap Lake police receive $125,000 federal grant

The Soap Lake Police Department (SLPD) received a $125,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, according to a social media post Thursday.

Bert Udell Holman Sr.

Bert Udell Holman Sr., of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on Nov. 15, 2021, to be with his Heavenly Father.

Federal vaccination mandate ignores Constitution, science

President Biden is more concerned about government control than the safety of our workforce or the protection of our individual rights.

Basin winter sports begin next week

With fall sports wrapping up, winter sports are starting up around the Columbia Basin, including basketball, wrestling and boys swim and dive.

Sweet dreams: Ballet Academy of Moses Lake to present ‘The Nutcracker’

MOSES LAKE — The Ballet Academy of Moses Lake will tell the story of a little girl’s dreams of adventure on Christmas Eve on two Saturdays during the holiday season.

Legals for November, 19 2021

Three injured in collision south of Quincy

A Quincy teenager, an Othello man and woman were injured Thursday afternoon in a collision at state Route 281 and Road 5 Northwest, south of Quincy, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Carrying on a tradition: Despite the challenges, organizations give Thanksgiving dinner

MOSES LAKE — It was a drive-up event, but the community Thanksgiving dinner Wednesday went on as planned.

‘A humble start’: Church leader visits Moses Lake chapel

MOSES LAKE — It’s not often a major church leader visits Moses Lake.

Ephrata volleyball headed to state

EPHRATA — The Ephrata High School volleyball team will compete Friday and possibly Saturday, if all goes well, at the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) 2A State Volleyball Championship at the Yakima Valley SunDome in Yakima.

Guiding Moses Lake to plan for growth

Greetings, Moses Lake community and Moses Lake stakeholders.

Walter Ronald (Ron) Baker

My brother Ron passed away suddenly on Nov. 7, 2021, at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake.

Potato hash and other things to learn

When I was 11 years old, I thought it was fun to make my mom and dad breakfast in bed.

Lynn Scott Miller

Lynn Scott Miller, a longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away peacefully in his home on Nov. 4 due to health issues.

Calvin David McDowall

Third-generation “Moses Laker” Calvin David McDowall was born at Samaritan Hospital in 1955 to Harry and Arlene McDowall, when the Columbia Basin was being built out of sand and sagebrush.

Job not done: State redistricting left up to court, will affect local legislators

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Redistricting Commission failed to reach an agreement on new legislative district boundaries by the midnight Monday deadline, meaning the Washington State Supreme Court will now be responsible for creating new legislative districts.

County officials to consider changes to Moses Lake UGA

EPHRATA — Changes to the urban growth area, or UGA, included in the recently approved Moses Lake Comprehensive Plan likely will be considered by the Grant County commissioners in July 2022.

Soap Lake police donate to cancer foundation

The Soap Lake Police Department (SLPD) sold pink SLPD patches in October to raise money for the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation and presented a $1,300 check to the foundation on Monday.

Making spirits bright: Organizers seek participants for two local Christmas events

OTHELLO — Organizers of two local Christmas celebrations are looking for businesses, organizations and individuals to participate in their annual festivities.

Marie Elvera Green

Marie Elvera Green, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Nov. 11, 2021, at the age of 96.

It’s a farm life: Grant County farmer relies on determination

It’s a field of work with very high highs and very low lows.

ML athletes receive All-League honors

Nine athletes from the Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School (MLCA/CCS) volleyball team, as well as the Moses Lake High School slow pitch softball team received All-League honors in their sports.

Patrick Sullivan Sr.

Patrick Edward Sullivan Sr., 81, former resident of St. Maries, Idaho, and current resident of Grangeville, Idaho, passed away on Nov. 7, 2021, in Boise.

Walter Martin Erdman (Walt)

Walter Martin Erdman (Walt) passed away at Coventry House in Othello, Washington, on Oct. 29, 2021.

Virginia Valdez

Virginia Valdez, 31, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away on Nov. 9, 2021.

Sandra Kay Metzker Garcia

Sandra Kay Metzker Garcia passed away comfortably at home surrounded by her loving family on Nov. 12, 2021, in Moses Lake, Washington.

Legals for November, 17 2021

Whipping up waves: Wind storm causes some power outages, higher-than-normal temperatures

MOSES LAKE — A powerful wind storm blew across the Columbia Basin Monday afternoon as a cold front moved east across Washington state, leading to scattered power outages across Grant County.

Commissioners discuss hospital construction, costs

MOSES LAKE — The increased cost of construction for the new Samaritan hospital was discussed publicly for the first time at a meeting of hospital district commissioners.

Moses Lake swim and dive gets top 10 finishes

The Moses Lake High School girls swimming and diving team competed at the state meet Friday and Saturday in Federal Way. And out of the nine athletes and three relay teams from Moses Lake, two relay teams and three athletes had top 10 finishes.

‘A second family to me’: Volunteer firefighter finds her service rewarding

MOSES LAKE — Emily Collins loves her volunteer role.

Legals for November, 16 2021

Thinking of Santa: Downtown Street Tree Lighting kicks off holiday season

MOSES LAKE — The little girl in the pink coat didn’t want a picture with Santa. She wanted to see him for an entirely different reason.

Chiefs football: Even with loss at state game, team made it a turnaround season

The Moses Lake High School Chiefs lost 7-56 to the Gonzaga Preparatory School Bullpups in the first round of the WIAA (Washington Interscholastic Activities Association) State Football competition Friday, ending the Chiefs’ season.

Stratford Road crossing to close for light hanging

The Stratford Road area crossing Moses Lake will be closed from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday to prepare for Light Up Moses Lake events, according to a city of Moses Lake news flash.

Duane Scott Johnson

Duane Scott Johnson (Duey), 60, passed away on Sunday, November 7, 2021, at his home in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Births for Nov. 15, 2021

Samaritan Hoispital Oct. 20-Nov. 4

SGL Carbon sees rise in sales

WIESBADEN, Germany — SGL Carbon, which makes carbon fibers at a facility in Moses Lake, posted a nearly 9% sales increase for the first nine months of 2021 compared with the same period a year ago.

Two from Soap Lake injured, another dies in collision

Two Soap Lake residents were injured and a 37-year-old unidentified person died Thursday night in a collision on Interstate 90 in Kittitas County, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Two local football teams to compete in state quarterfinals

One local school won its game and another was automatically seeded to the state quarterfinals and is waiting for its chance to compete.

A friend in need: Barbecue fundraiser supports family who lost home in fire

MOSES LAKE — The team at Pro Rentals and Sales had a barbecue fundraiser and raffle Wednesday to support one of its employees and his ramily, who recently lost their home to a fire.

Legals for November, 15 2021

Elks to serve community Thanksgiving dinner

MOSES LAKE — A drive-thru community Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Moses Lake Elks Lodge, 814 N. Stratford Road. There is no charge and all are invited.

Moses Lake football falls to Gonzaga Prep in first round of state competition

The Moses Lake High School Chiefs lost 7-56 to the Gonzaga Preparatory School Bullpups in the first round of the WIAA State Football competition on Friday, ending the Chiefs' season.

Unincorporated Grant County building permits for Nov. 13, 2021

Oct. 16-22

Chiefs to take on Bullpups in first round of state playoffs

The Moses Lake High School Chiefs football team will take on the Gonzaga Preparatory School Bullpups at 7 p.m. tonight in Spokane in the Chief's first playoff game for the state championship since 2017.

Dial up the holiday cheer: Light Up Moses Lake is back

MOSES LAKE — Light Up Moses Lake returns for a second year of holiday lights, fun, and fundraising for a good cause.

County moves to buy property for new jail

EPHRATA — Grant County commissioners on Wednesday approved allocating money in the county’s 2021 budget to spend $785,000 to buy 86.9 acres adjacent to state Route 282 as the site of the new Grant County Jail.

Ephrata Veterans Day Parade going strong after 25 years

The Veteran’s Day Parade in Ephrata, put on by the American Legion Post 28 and Auxiliary Unit 28, is still going strong after a quarter of a century.

Robert (Bob) Arbuckle

Bob Arbuckle, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away on Nov. 6, 2021, to be with his Heavenly Father.

Frances Ramarui

Frances Ramarui, 78, passed away on Nov. 5, 2021, at Tacoma General Hospital in Tacoma, Washington, surrounded by her daughters.

Big Bend volleyball falls to Walla Walla in season finale

In the Wednesday matchup against Walla Walla Community College, Big Bend Community College fell 3-1 in its final game of the season.

Don Sutter

Surrounded by his six children, well-respected businessman and longtime Moses Lake resident Don Sutter passed away on Nov. 7, following a short illness.

Richard Lynn Lowther

Richard Lynn Lowther, 68, passed away on Nov. 1, 2021, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A Dickens of a show: QHS to present ‘A Christmas Carol’

QUINCY — The classic tale of a man who learns how to celebrate Christmas on one eventful Christmas Eve comes to the Quincy High School stage courtesy of the QHS Drama Club.

Republicans call for repeal of WA Cares Fund

State House Republicans on Nov. 1 called for a repeal of the Democrats’ long-term care insurance program and payroll tax, according to a release from the Washington House Republicans.

Legals for November, 12 2021

Brothers in arms: Veterans volunteer to help other veterans

MOSES LAKE — There was the training exercise where Fil Rivera accidentally got dropped into the Caribbean Sea in the middle of the night.

ML council approves updated comp plan

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members voted 4-2 Tuesday to approve an updated Comprehensive Plan – after requests to delay the process due to possible development, which could be affected by the plan and the urban growth area (UGA) boundary.

Who are you remembering on Veterans Day?

Most people may have someone specific they think of on Veterans Day. For me, it’s my grandpa, Erle LeeRoy Pettingill, whom everyone called Lee.

Seeing God’s love through a reality TV show

I am writing this on Tuesday, Nov. 9. It is 6 a.m., which is 12 hours away from my favorite television show. I try to tune in each week on the History Channel for this reality series. It has been going on strong now for about a decade: “The Curse of Oak Island.”

Legals for November, 11 2021

Getting ready to roll: Moses Lake Skate Park additions underway

MOSES LAKE — The additions to the Moses Lake Skate Park should be ready for skaters in about two weeks, after Phase 1 of construction is done.

Senate candidate speaks in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Republican U.S. Senate candidate Tiffany Smiley has a message for Washington and for incumbent Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat.

Four local football teams to play for state

This week is the first round of Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) state playoffs for football. The top 16 teams in the state for each size bracket, except for 1B/2B, which only have 12, will go head-to-head to see which gets to advance. And four area schools then will work for victory.

Angelo Joseph Mandelas

Angelo Joseph Mandelas, 85, passed away peacefully in his home on Nov. 3, 2021, with his family by his side.

Good neighbors: Rotary projects support community in many ways

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Rotary Club members penciled in an hour to set up the cafeteria at Chief Moses Middle School for the annual Coats 4 Kids distribution, but they didn’t need it. It only took about 30 minutes to sort and lay out an estimated 800 coats.

Eugene (Gene) B. Butterly

Our loving father Eugene (Gene) B. Butterly, 82, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away peacefully Nov. 2, 2021, surrounded by his family.

Back to the boards: Heroes, villains and melodrama at Othello High School play

OTHELLO — The curtain goes up Thursday on a tale of deception, shocking twists, true love, nefarious deeds and the thwarting thereof presented by the Othello High School Drama Club.

ML girls swimming, diving to go to state

The Moses Lake girls swimming and diving team is sending nine athletes and three relay teams to the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) state swim competition Friday and Saturday in Federal Way.

Column: Honoring heroes goes beyond lowering flags to half-mast

Lowering our flags to half-staff seems to be an all too familiar sight these days.

Legals for November, 10 2021

Holding steady: No rate increase in 2022 for Grant County PUD customers

EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District will not raise its rates in 2022 for any of its customers, according to the preliminary PUD budget.

Port of ML to pave sidewalk

MOSES LAKE — In the grand scheme of things, putting in a couple hundred feet of sidewalk along Patton Boulevard south of Endeavor Middle school is a small project for the Port of Moses Lake.

Mission of joy: Moses Lake girl launches toy drive

Christmas has come early for one Moses Lake girl who has decided to get a head start on collecting toys to donate this Christmas.

Grant County officials make suicide prevention information easier to find

EPHRATA — It’s at the top of Grant County’s website.

Weekend prep roundup: Ephrata tramples North Central

EPHRATA — The Ephrata High School Tigers dominated the gridiron in their final game, bringing down Spokane’s North Central High School.

Legals for November, 9 2021

Moses Lake teen to be tried as adult in murder case

A Moses Lake teenager will be tried as an adult in a murder case, according to information from the Grant County Superior Court Clerk’s Office.

Moving ahead: ML School Board tables student survey decision, honors Goodrich

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake School Board at its meeting Thursday decided to wait to consider policies governing surveys given to students until after the election is certified Nov. 23.

Grant County unemployment declines, as do job openings

MOSES LAKE — Grant County’s economy is recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s a little uneven, according to recent information from the Washington Employment Security Department. Grant County’s unemployment rate dropped between September 2020 and September 2021, but the number of people in the county’s workforce declined.

A piece of the past: Token tells story of century-old Quincy business

QUINCY — So that small object in a frame on the wall at the Quincy Valley Historical Society & Museum, the coin-like thing – is that really a coin? After all, the way a coin often ends up on the wall of a museum is if it’s dug out of an archeological site.

Five Basin athletes finish in top 50 in state cross-country

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association 2021 State Cross Country Tournament in Pasco during the weekend had more than two dozen athletes from Grant and Adams counties, and several placed in the top 50 of more than 100 in the state.

Grandma’s Hands open

Tristan Dalrymple, with his grandparents Melody and Lyndon Price and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, cuts the ribbon Friday afternoon on Grandma’s Hands, an “eclectic parade” of vintage items, home decor and all-natural bath products the Prices opened at 530 W. Valley Road in the Vista Village shopping center in Moses Lake.

Martha Hughes

On Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, Marti was allowed to come home to eternity. Her fight with pancreatic/lung/liver cancer is over.

State health plan market open for enrollment

Fifteen health insurers were approved to sell in Washington’s 2022 individual health insurance market, according to a release Nov. 1 from the state Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Quincy falls to Deer Park in final game, 16-50

QUINCY — The Quincy High School football team had its final game of the season against Deer Park High School in a non-league crossover at the Quincy High School stadium Saturday.

Births for Nov. 8, 2021

Samaritan Hospital

Gregory Philip Crane

Gregory Philip Crane, 55, passed away on Oct. 7, 2021, at Mat-Su Regional Medical Center in Palmer, Alaska, due to complications from COVID-19.

Legals for November, 8 2021

Unincorporated Grant County building permits for Nov. 7, 2021

Oct. 2-15

Stuck in transit: Supply chain woes leave merchants scrambling

EPHRATA — How difficult are the world’s shipping and supply problems right now?

MLSD levy approval grows; Gaps widen in updated election results

MOSES LAKE — The latest round of election results Thursday afternoon showed a widening lead in those voting to approve the three-year Moses Lake School District replacement levy.

Back to the barn: Popular gift show returns

MOSES LAKE — The Piper Barn Show has returned after a 1-year hiatus and is doing better than ever.

Quincy, Mattawa mayors maintain lead in updated election numbers

The mayors of Mattawa and Quincy have maintained leads against their challengers, but Quincy School Board and Wahluke School Board incumbents are losing their races in the updated results Thursday for the Nov. 2 general election.

Yonezawa Boulevard project delayed, awaiting growth plan

MOSES LAKE — Revisions of the intersection at Yonezawa Boulevard and Pioneer Way were postponed in 2021, and might not happen in 2022, due to a study recommended in the city’s Comprehensive Plan.

Ready to do business

Insurance agent Jessica Cox, surrounded by employees and members of the Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, cuts the ribbon on her new business, Country Financial, at 321 S. Beech St. in Moses Lake on Thursday.

Quincy High School gets honors for fall sports season

The Caribou Trail League released its All-League teams and honors for the fall sports season.

Judith Ann Treutle

Judith Ann Treutle, 78, of Moses Lake, Washington, went home to our Heavenly Father on Oct. 30, 2021, surrounded by loved ones.

Quincy School Board recognized statewide

QUINCY — The Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) named the Quincy School Board as a Board of Distinction for 2021, according to a QSD press release.

Othello sewer rates to stay the same in 2022

OTHELLO — Othello residents will not see an increase in their sewer rates until at least 2026.

‘More than a tribute’: Columbia Basin Allied Arts brings audiences back with A.J. Croce performance

MOSES LAKE — Singer-songwriter A.J. Croce will feature his interpretation of the music of his dad Jim Croce when he performs in concert at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Moses Lake High School theater, 803 E. Sharon Ave. The concert is sponsored by the Columbia Basin Allied Arts.

Lee Wallace Hogue

Lee Wallace Hogue, 64, of Sonora, California, passed peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021, at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, California.

Legals for November, 5 2021

Counting cars: Moses Lake traffic study moves into second phase, rates traffic in Mae Valley area

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake city officials have started the second phase of a study to determine how to address traffic issues at intersections along Hansen Road.

Moses Lake Ice Rink opening delayed

The Moses Lake Ice Rink will open at 4:15 p.m. Nov. 19 instead of Nov. 12 because the weather has been too warm, according to city spokesperson Lynne Lynch.

MLCA/CCS volleyball falls to Wilson Creek, ending season

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Christian Academy/Covenant Christian School (MLCA/CCS) volleyball team fell to Wilson Creek High School in a district playoff match Tuesday.

Raining cats and dogs

Tyler Scott poses with his dog, Wilson, while checking out at Petco in Moses Lake on Wednesday. Scott bought Wilson a yellow raincoat on the rainy, gloomy afternoon. Scott said Wilson was named after Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson, the dog, has a brother called Russell, named in the same fashion, according to Scott.

Crowning achievement: Moses Lake woman wins USOA Mrs. Washington title

MOSES LAKE — Amy Dana, of Moses Lake, said winning the United States of America Mrs. Washington 2022 title gives her the chance to talk about something very important to her.

Pamela Schoessler

Pamela Schoessler, of Othello, Washington, passed away peacefully on Oct. 15, 2021, at Columbia Crest Center in Moses Lake, Washington.

Credit union awards grants to local fire districts

Gesa, a community-chartered credit union, recently announced the recipients of its first Local Heroes Grant Program, awarding $110,000 in grants to 23 organizations across Washington state, according to information from the company.

Legals for November, 4 2021

Voters make the calls

Early tally in general election shows Moses Lake schools levy ahead, new members for ML city council

MOSES LAKE — With the first results in from Tuesday’s off-year general election, voters in the Moses Lake School District were barely showing their support for the district, with the yes votes narrowly ahead for the proposed three-year, $7 million replacement levy.

Some take big leads in Basin races in first tally

In preliminary general election results Tuesday, Mattawa and Quincy chose mayors, the Quincy City Council chose two new members, while the Royal City City Council chose one, and Othello-area voters decided the fate of a maintenance and operations levy for the parks and recreation district.

Grant County seeks input on proposal for redrawing commissioner districts

EPHRATA — The Grant County commissioners will take public comment at 2 p.m. Nov. 15 on proposed changes to the boundaries of county commission districts and voter precincts.

Edelmiro Garza

Edelmiro Garza, a longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, Washington.

Church members pitch in at food bank

MOSES LAKE — Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints found enjoyment in service on Oct. 26, participating in the Moses Lake Food Bank’s Senior 850 project, according to a press release from Dennis Draleau, communications director for the church’s Moses Lake stake.

Othello approves accessory dwelling unit rules

OTHELLO — After almost two and a half years of discussion, Othello City Council members passed an ordinance allowing homeowners to build accessory dwelling units in some residential areas.

Right angling: Quincy man says fly fishing more than just catching fish

QUINCY — Joshua Shew said for him, fly fishing is not so much about catching fish as getting to know nature.

New Adams County assessor settles into the job

RITZVILLE — Veronica Rodriguez said the first 30 days as Adams County assessor have been pretty busy.

Basin schools to send 25 runners to state cross-country competition

PASCO — Twenty-five student athletes from Grant and Adams counties were chosen to participate in the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association State Cross Country Tournament on Saturday at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.

Candidate for U.S. Senate to visit Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — Tiffany Smiley will be at the November meeting of the Republican Women of Grant County.

Slowing down: Traffic circle experiment begins in Othello

OTHELLO — An experiment to determine the effectiveness of traffic circles in reducing collisions in a residential area is underway, as drivers in the neighborhood might already know.

Great weather for a paddle

Hundreds of geese, only some of them pictured here, filled Moses Lake on Sunday afternoon near Cascade Park in Moses Lake.

Legals for November, 3 2021

Moses Lake detectives arrest teen in alleged murder case

Moses Lake Police Department detectives arrested a 17-year-old boy Monday afternoon for investigation of first-degree murder in connection with a September homicide, MLPD Chief Kevin Fuhr said.

Moses Lake softball goes to tournament, falls short of placing

YAKIMA — The Moses Lake High School girls slow pitch softball team participated in the 4A Washington Interscholastic Activities Association/Gesa Credit Union State Slowpitch Softball tournament in Yakima during the weekend, but did not place in the top four.

Back into action: Warden FFA revives student engagement

WARDEN — Caitlin Coulsey, one of two FFA advisers at Warden High School, has taken on the goal of arranging one to two community activities each month for her students.

Election day

A forest of signs, including many local campaign signs, stands on the little triangle of grass at the five-sided intersection of South Pioneer Way, Wheeler Road and East Fifth Avenue. Today is the deadline to cast ballots in the off-year general election, and the first results are expected this evening.

Alexander (Alex) John Weaver

Alexander (Alex) John Weaver, 79, of Ephrata, Washington, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021.

Knolls Vista kids raise money for Almira students

MOSES LAKE — Students at Knolls Vista Elementary School in Moses Lake rallied around to give a boost to Almira Elementary School and its students following a devastating fire at the Almira school Oct. 12.

Legals for November, 2 2021

Gigliotti sworn in: First woman steps in as Grant County Superior Court judge

EPHRATA — Anna Gigliotti was sworn in Friday as the newest Grant County Superior Court judge.

MLSD evaluates flag, survey, public records policies

MOSES LAKE — It would be difficult, if not impossible, for the Moses Lake School District to create a policy overseeing what kinds of flags, banners and posters teachers could display in their classrooms, according to interim superintendent Carole Meyer.

Annual Downtown Moses Lake Trick or Treat sees huge turnout

The Downtown Moses Lake Association (DMLA) held its annual Downtown Moses Lake Trick or Treat event on Saturday, which had a significant increase in numbers compared to previous years — resulting in many booths running out of candy by the end of the two-hour event.

Weekend prep roundup: Royal shuts out Connell, 56-0

ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights won their last district game handily Friday, trouncing Connell High School 54-0.

Barbara Jean Champion

Barbara Jean Champion, 96, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. She was residing in Moses Lake, Washington.

Stephen E. Smith

Stephen E. Smith, 71, of Moses Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on Oct. 16, 2021.

Public records for Nov. 1, 2021

Marriages, births

MLHS swim team takes districts

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake High School girls swimming and dive team excelled at the Girls High School Swim Districts during the weekend

Quincy man injured in two-vehicle collision

A Quincy man was injured Saturday afternoon in a collision on state Route 281, south of Quincy, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Story teller: Interest in people and their lives attracts Miles King to communications

MOSES LAKE — Miles King said the attraction of his current job at Samaritan Healthcare is similar to his old job at the Quincy Valley Post-Register, the chance to tell tales.

Legals for November, 1 2021